Master of Arts - Feature Film Development

The MA Feature Film Development is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the processes required to prepare a major film for pitching to investors. The course explores the full range of pre-production activities involved in bringing big-budget films to the stage where they can be green-lit, guiding students through each phase while helping them identify and avoid common challenges.

The programme is suitable for individuals from a wide range of film and creative disciplines, including directors, producers, editors, filmmakers, screenwriters, directors of photography, concept artists, production designers, art directors, animators, technical directors, story artists, and pre-visualisation artists. It supports both those entering the industry and those seeking to advance their careers in feature film.

As part of Birmingham City University’s Film Futures suite, the course has been developed in collaboration with industry to address the demand for highly skilled graduates within the international film sector. With a focus on film development, pre-production, story art, and pre-visualisation, students become part of a multidisciplinary film community.

The course includes collaborative, practical work in which students develop a full feature film concept and produce a pre-visualisation reel. This involves demonstrating narrative structure, performance, and action elements, as well as workshopping screenplay material to create an immersive animatic that communicates the core story effectively.